Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has discussed where his side need to improve if they want to win the league title.
Pirates are currently en route to Spain where they are set to begin their pre-season preparations, with their new head coach, who succeeded Jose Riveiro, with the Spaniard heading to Al Ahly – after the expiry of his three-year deal.
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Ouaddou was somewhat of a surprise appointment, having only managed 12 games in South Africa with Marumo Gallants before being headhunted by the club, where he has reportedly signed a two-year contract to continue the ‘five year project’ started under Riveiro.
And speaking to Pirates TV, he pointed out the influence the massive support base of the club can play this season, as they look to imrpove on what was achieved in the past seasons.
“I like the power of the fan base, I came from Bloem to Johannesburg to watch the derby and I was very impressed by the fans – Pirates and Chiefs, the passion of the people, and what I wish? Is to have all of them everywhere in the country, wherever we play, to have the stadium packed and to make noise,” he said.
“They have to know they are the 12th man and when we have strong fans, strong personality, and respect, they are part of the business, they are part of the club, they help the players, and we can hear them.
“In difficult moments, when you have strong fans, they push you sometimes to change the game and to win the game.”
The former Morocco defender stated his game model is based on possession but also with the need to move the ball quickly in attacking transitions, which was something done highly effectively under his predecessor.
“But in terms of the game? I like the philosophy of [the] possessional game, the wish to score quickly, I like it you know. Pirates scored many goals last season and every year they come close to the leader,” he explained.
“But in the same way, we need to improve some areas, if we manage to improve those areas, we can go further and maybe to win the league. When I spoke about these areas? Defensive transitions maybe, try to work on that, try to work together as a unit, but it’s a good team.
“I like it, we need to keep the legacy, the work that has been done as well, in the proper way. Usually when a coach comes into a club, he wants to destroy anything, but we have to be clever, analyse what was good and build on this foundation that was done well by the previous coach and previous coaches as well. It’s important to build on that.”
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